The mayoral race in Miami is tightening as voters gear up for the runoff election next Tuesday, December 9. According to Local 10, after a packed initial election on November 4 with 13 candidates vying for the position, no single candidate managed to lock down the majority vote necessary for an outright win, leading to this subsequent round between the top two contenders. Eileen Higgins, who could make history as Miami's first female mayor, captured roughly 36 percent of the initial vote, and Emilio González followed as the runner-up with about 19 percent.
As residents prepare to make their final decision, early voting has already commenced in Miami, as well as neighboring cities Hialeah and Miami Beach. The Miami Herald highlights that residents can cast their early ballots this weekend, offering convenience ahead of the official runoff date. Additionally, secure ballot drop boxes are in place for those preferring to submit mail-in ballots—which must be, received by the Elections Department by 7 p.m. Tuesday to count.
Amidst her campaign, Higgins emphasized her professional background and plans to tackle local issues. "We have been living through years of nothing but turmoil, corruption, disruption, a bunch of guys yelling at each other all the time, and in the meantime, you can’t get a permit to open a small business, you can’t get a permit to fix your roof, our streets are still flooded," Higgins stated in an earlier interview, iterating her goal to directly address these civic problems. González, harnessing support from notable conservatives, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, has made reform and accountability the cornerstone of his proposal for change inside the city hall, as reported by Local10.
This standoff marks the first mayoral runoff election in Miami since 2001, underscoring the competitive and dynamic nature of this political contest. For those looking to participate in early voting, The Miami Herald has provided a list of locations.
